Travel Planning. It is a big task. You work hard for the money you save, and you want to spend it wisely and get the best value out of your dollar that you possibly can. Deciding on where to go, for how long, and within your budget can be daunting. I’ve spent many many hours (probably more like weeks to months, if I added them all up) over the last 30+ years planning both business and personal travel. Many times it can just be overwhelming.
And then there’s the internet. Search for “best all-inclusive resorts” and you wind up with almost 200K results. Then trying to find the best deals. On the best dates. With the best reviews. Checking against airfare prices. It is A LOT.
Not that you can’t do it yourself, because you can. I have. So why use a Travel Agent/Advisor (TA)? (and I prefer Advisor over Agent because that is a more personal term that describes my relationship to you!)
A Travel Advisor (me!) will WORK FOR YOU. They are your own personal concierge. Someone you can pick up the phone and call with a question as you’re packing. Someone who will help you when you get to your destination and something is not right. Who will make recommendations and give insights based on experience, knowledge and access to a vast network of others with experience and knowledge about the destination. And I truly care that you have the very best vacation possible, and will do everything I can to ensure that happens!
Here are the two biggest questions I get about being a TA:
Do Travel Advisors Get The Best Deals?
Yes and No. At a minimum I should be able to match anything you search for online and deals you find. I do, however, have access to TA specials and incentives from my hand-picked suppliers which could save you additional money, or get you free upgrades, additional cruise onboard credits, and more.
So Why Should I Use A Travel Advisor?
Because TA’s (ME!) will work for YOU. Try calling Costco Travel when you check in and your room is not right. Or try calling Expedia or Priceline when your airport transportation doesn’t show, or the car you reserved isn’t there. There is no personal hotline to call when there’s a problem, with a live person waiting to answer your call. And with travel today, the likelihood of a problem is high. I will be available to you to help with any problems during your trip! That peace of mind is priceless.
And did you know, that no matter how you book your travel – direct, online, or through a TA – that you are paying an agent fee regardless? YES you read that right. Book on Marriott.com and your room rate already has an agent commission built in to it, which just ends up going into Marriott’s pocket. Instead, you can – for the same price or possibly even less – work with an agent (ME!) that will go to bat for you immediately if something goes wrong. And my compensation comes directly from the vendor (Marriott, in my example) so it literally costs you nothing more than what you are already going to pay, but you’ll have me working for you. Plus you are also supporting my small business 🙂
Why work with me?
Be sure to Join My Exclusive List! I will handpick the best deals and destinations for my clients and email you 2-4x a month (more likely every 2 weeks, but if a deal becomes available that will most likely sell out quick, I will let you know!). Click below to not miss out!
- Advise you on destinations and itineraries based on experience, research and destination expert recommendations
- Access to thousands of travel suppliers with the best perks
- Extremely selective on who I work with and where I will book travel
- Direct private access to me while you are on your trip
- No additional cost to you!! *
* For large groups, or for long, detailed, specialty itineraries, a non-refundable planning fee may be required. This will all be discussed up front when we talk about your travel plans!